Neuroscience Internship
The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) is the Department of Defense's lead laboratory for medical chemical defense research. As a subordinate element of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC), the institute conducts research for development of medical countermeasures to treat exposure to various chemical threat agents for protection of soldiers and civilians. Scientific disciplines at USAMRICD include, but are not limited to, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology, neuroscience, toxicology, physiology, psychology, and immunology. Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USAMRICD.
The USAMRICD is seeking candidates that are completing or completed their undergraduate degree in biological sciences, pharmacology, neuroscience, psychology, physiology or related field to assist with laboratory experiments in identifying and screening improved medical countermeasures against chemical warfare nerve agent exposure. The objectives are to evaluate the toxicity of chemical agents in animal models and to evaluate the neuropathological and neuroinflammatory responses that may contribute to the development of epileptogenesis and long-term behavioral impairments and to evaluate anti-epileptic drugs against nerve agent-induced seizure and seizure-associated brain damage.
The research will provide the participant with hands-on laboratory experience in small and large animal models used in medical research. The participant can expect to gain the following as part of their internship:
- Learn basic laboratory skills and techniques
- Assist with small animal surgery to implant electroencephalographic (EEG) telemetry transmitters for continuous EEG measurement
- Assist with preparation of chemicals for drug assessments studies
- Assist with histological assessments to identify loss of neurons and gliosis
- Learn how to compile data in spreadsheets, graphically represent data and conduct statistical analysis of data
- Assist with preparation of posters and slides for scientific presentations
Appointment Length
This appointment is a twelve month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.
Participant Benefits
Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by MRICD. Other benefits may include the following:
- Health Insurance Supplement. Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE
- Training and Travel Allowance
Nature of Appointment
The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOD, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.
While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with DOD or any other agency, this opportunity will require a suitability investigation/background investigation. Any offer made is considered tentative pending favorable outcome of the investigation.